Health Information

Preparing the School-Aged Child for Surgery

What part about surgery is most stressful for a school-aged child?

School-aged children can benefit from preoperative planning, education, and explanations. This preparation should take place a week or two before surgery since preparation too far in advance can produce more anxiety. Recognizing what is stressful to your school-aged child while in the hospital can guide you in preparing him/her for the surgical experience. Common stressors and fears in the hospital may include the following:

being away from school and friends

thinking he/she is in the hospital because he/she is bad or is being punished

having a part of the body destroyed or injured

loss of control

pain (or the possibility of pain)

needles and shots

dying during surgery

How do I prepare my school-aged child for surgery?

Tour the facility with your child prior to surgery. Touring the hospital before surgery can help your child see the sights, sounds, and events he/she will experience the day of surgery. It can help your child learn about the hospital, and gives him/her time to talk about concerns and questions. Ask a child life specialist to explain what will happen, and why, in terms your child can understand.

Make sure your child knows why he/she is having surgery in words he/she can understand. School-aged children may not ask questions about something they think they are supposed to know about, leading a parent to think the child understands what surgery and hospitalization involve.

Have your child explain back to you what is going to happen in the hospital. School-aged children sometimes will listen carefully, but not understand all that was said. This can help you to learn whether or not your child has a clear understanding of what lies ahead.

Read books about the hospital or surgery with your entire family.

Give as many choices as possible - to increase your child's sense of control.

Emphasize that your child has not done anything wrong and that surgery is not a punishment.

Explain the benefits of the surgery in terms your child can understand. For example, "After your knee has healed, you will be able to play soccer again."

Encourage your child's friends to visit the hospital, or to keep in touch with your child by telephone or with letters and cards.

Learn as much as you can about your child's surgery. Children can tell when their parents are worried. The more you know, the better you will be able to help explain things to your child.

A family member should stay with your child as much as possible. Always tell your child when you are leaving, why, and when you will be back. If your child will remain in the hospital for several days, ask family and friends to call and visit often.

Let your child know that it is acceptable to be afraid and to cry. Encourage him/her to ask questions of the physicians and nurses.

When your child is stressed, they may start regressing and/or displaying new fears, such as being afraid of the dark. Give many compliments and hugs. Parents should always hold their child's hand (not restrain) during tests or procedures.